adaptable

adjective

adapt·​able ə-ˈdap-tə-bəl 

a-

: capable of being or becoming adapted

plants that are easily adaptable to colder climates

adaptability

ə-ˌdap-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

a-

noun

Synonyms

• all-around
• all-round
• protean
• universal
• versatile

Choose the Right Synonym for adaptable

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature.

plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form.

plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom

pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

Examples of adaptable in a Sentence

an adaptable tool that combines a screwdriver, a corkscrew, and pliers

an activities director who's adaptable to any kind of situation

Recent Examples on the Web

White floral notes are endlessly adaptable, but perfumer Cécile Matton went the warm route by adding cashmeran, sandalwood, and Madagascan vanilla at the base. —Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Feb. 2025

Nearly every restaurant relied on these adaptable sources of light—especially for use in DIY dining sheds where electrical wiring was a no-no. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025

In the end, the only real answer to this incredible, adaptable grass may be a combination of careful prevention and benign neglect, letting nature be the barrier against its own greatest survivor. —Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2025

The adaptable upper hugs my foot like a sock, so there’s seamless comfort with every stride. —Ali Faccenda, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above